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PLEASE NOTE - There are 2 tests required for this role. The test and the application form need to be completed prior to the deadline.

We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates

At DfE, we are proud of the commitment we make to diversity and inclusion and of the progress we have made. We have active & vibrant staff networks, special leave policies and workplace adjustments put in place for those who need them. We are continuing to build a diverse DfE, in an inclusive environment which nurtures and realises potential in all, at all levels. Equality and Diversity - Department for Education

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is part of the Department for Education (DfE) and has responsibility for distributing funding for state education in England for 3–19-year-olds. We provide £65 billion of funding for the education and training sector each year, ensuring timely and accurate allocations and payment of education and skills funding to academy trusts, local authorities, colleges and training providers.

However, we do much more than funding – we provide assurance that public funds are properly spent, achieves value for money for the taxpayer and delivers the policies and priorities set by the Secretary of State. We also provide, where necessary, financial support for providers.

This is a challenging and exciting opportunity for someone who would like to develop their leadership and management skills within the National Delivery Unit, within Schools Financial Support and Oversight (SFSO) Directorate.

The National Delivery Unit delivers a portfolio of programmes and projects to provide financial oversight and build capability across the sector. We consider compliance with funding arrangements and legislation, we assure financial governance, and we improve our service offer with effective delivery processes and stakeholder engagement. Examples of the priorities we deliver include the declaration and approval requirement for related party transactions in academy trusts; challenging high levels of executive pay in academy trusts; and supporting academy trusts to be compliant with funding requirements.

This is an EO post specialising in operational delivery. The EO post-holder will work as a case worker on compliance cases and national projects. The post-holder has a direct impact on the performance of the unit through their project and case management, technical knowledge and ability to build expertise.

Your work will have a positive impact on case outcomes, raising the quality of our service, building excellent external relationships and enhancing our reputation.

The EO will manage casework across high-profile work programmes including the assessment of high value related party transactions, reviewing executive pay, and delivering compliance and assurance activities to support financial health in academy trusts.

The successful candidate will also deliver timebound assurance projects, researching, organising, and analysing facts and data, applying their judgement and interpretive ability to conduct assessments and make effective decisions.

As this role includes completion of the Business Administration Apprenticeship (Level 3) please check the eligibility requirements below using the apprenticeship standard: Business administrator / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

• You must have lived in the UK for 3 years prior to apprenticeship start date and not be undertaking another apprenticeship at the same time.
• You must not already have a substantial amount of the skills and knowledge that is covered in the contents of the apprenticeship standard.
• You must not have already worked in a similar role, or your previous learning, and/or work experience covers the contents (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours) of the apprenticeship standard.

Please do not apply if:

• You already have all the skills and knowledge that is covered in the contents of the apprenticeship standard.
• You have already worked in a similar role, or your previous learning, and/or work experience covers the contents (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours) of the apprenticeship standard.
• You have a degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration.
• Part of this apprenticeship is to complete a level 2 English and maths functional skills qualification. If you have already achieved GCSEs in English and maths at Level 4 (grade C) or equivalent or a higher grade, you will not need to complete the functional skills qualification.

At the enrolment state, the individual's eligibility will be checked by the training provider.

Essential Criteria:

• Outstanding communication abilities (written and verbal), along with good analytical skills.
• The ability to manage time effectively, using prioritisation techniques to deliver on a range of competing priorities.
• The ability to work flexibly, proactively support others and use their individual judgement to make high quality decisions without close supervision.
• The ability to focus on details and think laterally.

The appointed candidate will:

• Be responsible for a diverse range of results-oriented casework across a variety of workstreams.
• Use analytical skills to understand numerical and written data about academy trusts.
• Be responsible for handling their own caseload professionally and in a timely manner.
• Take an active approach to developing their knowledge and understanding of policy and delivery.
• Improve customer service by innovating and influencing the way our customers engage with us.
• Drive quality and continuous improvement, proactively working with colleagues from within the organisation and across government to improve systems and processes.
• Have the opportunity to become involved in risk management co-ordination across multiple projects.
• Have a good knowledge of mainstream IT packages including Microsoft Office and an ability to learn new skills.
• Support change by implementing new policies and procedures

Applicants currently holding a permanent post in the Civil Service should note that, if successful, their salary on appointment would be determined by the Department’s transfer / promotion policies. As a member of the DfE, you will be entitled to join the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme, which many experts agree is one of the most generous in the UK.

You will have 25 days leave, increasing by 1 day every year to a maximum of 30 days after five years’ service. In addition, all staff receive the King's Birthday privilege holiday and 8 days’ bank and public holidays.

We offer flexible working arrangements, such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours. Most DfE employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending at least 60% of their time in an office or work setting. Changes to these working arrangements are available in exceptional circumstances, but must be agreed with the line manager and in line with the requirements of the role. Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DfE, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.

As an organisation, which exists to support education and lifelong learning, we offer our staff excellent professional development opportunities.

Job contact :

Name :
Adele Glynn
Email :
[email protected]

Recruitment team :

Email :
[email protected]